"We finally found her."
The voice echoed from deep within the forest.
Cold.
Calm.
Certain.
Emily felt a chill crawl down her spine.
The trees around them stood motionless.
The sunlight filtering through the branches suddenly seemed weaker.
Darker.
As if the forest itself had fallen silent.
Alexander immediately stepped in front of Emily.
His body became a shield between her and the unseen threat.
Lucien moved to the left.
The first child moved to the right.
Daniel positioned himself near Evelyn and the Founder.
Without discussing it—
The group had instinctively formed a defensive line.
Seraphine's expression darkened.
She slowly reached beneath her cloak.
Then pulled out a curved silver blade.
The weapon gleamed in the sunlight.
Ancient symbols were engraved along its surface.
Emily noticed immediately.
The same symbols connected to Aurelia.
The same symbols connected to the Sanctuary.
Seraphine saw her staring.
"This forest isn't as peaceful as it looks."
